Israeli President Accuses Starmer of Permitting Iranian 'Empire of Evil' in Britain
Israel's President Isaac Herzog has launched a scathing critique against British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, accusing him of enabling Iran's so-called 'empire of evil' to function without restraint within the United Kingdom. In a recent interview, Herzog asserted that Starmer's administration allows Iranian terror cells to 'do what they want' on British soil, describing the Middle Eastern nation as a 'rogue state' that must be 'crushed'.
Arson Attack on Jewish Ambulances Sparks Outrage
Herzog's comments emerged shortly after a disturbing incident where four ambulances owned by a Jewish charity were deliberately set ablaze in London on Monday. Metropolitan Police are treating this act as an antisemitic hate crime, with investigations focusing on an Islamist group potentially linked to Iran. Unverified claims of responsibility were made by Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya, also known as The Islamic Movement of the People of the Right Hand.
Counter-terrorism authorities arrested two British nationals, aged 45 and 47, earlier this week, both of whom have since been released on bail. This event has heightened concerns about Iranian-backed activities in the UK.
Herzog's Stern Warning to European Nations
Speaking to the executive director of the pro-Israel campaign group StandWithUs, President Herzog detailed Iran's global influence, stating the regime spends 'billions of dollars' and maintains 'terror cells all over the world'. He emphasized that Iran operates both directly and through proxies, urging that it is 'about time the world stands up to them'.
Herzog questioned Starmer's leadership, referencing reports that the Prime Minister acknowledged only 10 to 20 events linked to Iranian terror in Britain last year. According to a Telegraph report, Herzog added, 'They're allowed to do what they want. They are a rogue state. They're an empire of evil and they're an evil regime and it must be crushed.'
Strained International Relations and Security Concerns
Tensions between Britain, the United States, and Israel have escalated following Starmer's decision not to support initial strikes against Iran. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized Starmer, recently describing Britain's largest warships as 'toys' and labeling the Prime Minister as 'no Churchill' for his reluctance to back military action.
Starmer retaliated in an interview, accusing Trump of attempting to drag Britain into the Iran conflict through disparaging remarks. Meanwhile, MI5's director general revealed in 2024 that security services have disrupted 20 'potentially lethal' Iran-backed plots targeting British citizens and residents since 2022, with four men arrested on March 6 for suspected surveillance on Jewish targets on behalf of Iran.
Herzog Highlights Antisemitic Surge and Global Threats
President Herzog warned European countries against naivety, noting that Iranian aggression poses a direct risk, including to England. He cited Iran's recent missile launch targeting the joint UK-US air base on Diego Garcia in the Chagos Islands, emphasizing that a 4,000-kilometre missile range covers all of Europe. 'What are you so naïve about? Read their scriptures. Read their ideology and understand you are next,' he cautioned.
Herzog also addressed a 'major surge of antisemitic activity' globally, linking it to the aftermath of Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. In 2025 alone, the Community Security Trust recorded 3,700 instances of anti-Jewish hate in the UK. As president, Herzog expressed solidarity with Jewish communities worldwide, recounting a 'moving conversation' with leaders of the targeted Jewish ambulance service, Hatzola, where he affirmed, 'We are there together. We're in this battle together.'
The Prime Minister's office clarified Starmer's stance, noting that while he initially refused permission for US strikes from British bases, he has since allowed their use for 'defensive' operations against Iranian missile sites and threats in the Strait of Hormuz.
